November 2012

San Jose

By Jennifer N. Dienst, Contributing Editor

An innovative new meeting space in the capital of Silicon Valley.

Downtown San Jose and the San Jose Convention Center are both undergoing a major revitalization reflective of the destination’s innovative spirit. In the fall of 2013, the center - which will remain open and 100-percent operational throughout the project - will complete a $120-million expansion and renovation project, adding 125,000 square feet of flexible ballroom and meeting space to the center’s existing 425,000 square feet. After the project concludes, the center will offer 550,000 square feet of total usable space for meetings, conventions, and events.

Beyond the increase in square footage, the project will also unify the center’s appearance with a soft, new color palette to accent the center’s new light-filled, free-flowing rooms and spaces, while modern, high-tech amenities will help keep attendees connected. Reflecting the city’s award-winning focus on sustainability, the center will also seek LEED Silver certification for the expansion. With organic menus crafted from sustainable sources, compostable serveware, recycling programs, and other eco-friendly initiatives, the San Jose Convention Center is continually finding new ways to green its meetings and events.

Team San Jose is offering complimentary rental for groups who book by 2014 to celebrate the center’s state-of-the-art transformation. Groups will receive complimentary use of tables, chairs, linens, microphones, and water services, discounted parking and food-and-beverage, as well as free move-in and move-out days. Housing registration for groups using three or more hotels will also be complimentary.

At a Glance

Convention facilities

After the expansion is complete in 2013, the San Jose Convention Center will offer 143,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space divisible into three sections:

a 60,000-square-foot arcade

a 56,000-square-foot concourse

a 22,000-square-foot ballroom

plus 31 meeting rooms

Hotel rooms

2,100 within walking distance, plus an additional 2,900 within a short rail ride

8,900 rooms are available citywide

Nearby attractions

The San Jose Civic, South of First Area (SoFA) district, Tech Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, San Jose Museum of Art, San Pedro Square Market, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, and much more